Principal Operational Policy Advisor

Help us to make a positive difference

At the Charter School Agency | Te Tari Kura Hourua, our mission is to lift student achievement, strengthen and diversify New Zealand’s education system. We do this so that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

Charter schools | kura hourua offer high quality education with diverse choices for students and families, greater flexibility for educators, and increased accountability.

With the child at the heart of what we do, we achieve better outcomes together.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Principal Operational Policy Advisor is solutions focused, providing pragmatic advice to make Charter Schools a successful education option. You will work across our focused and agile team as we to support the establishment of new charter schools and provide seamless conversions of state and state integrated schools into charter schools.

The role is responsible for maintaining the charter school operational policy system, with a focus on continual improvement as new opportunities and challenges emerge. You will interpret enabling legislation into practical operational actions. You will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of operational policy, from initial implementation through regular review, refinement, and continuous improvement. You will give advice to the Authorisation Board on how to give effect to their decision-making role, maintain and refine business processes, and advise sponsors.

The Principal Advisor will work closely with the Ministry of Education and others across the sector.

Salary range: $119,171 – $144,560 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary based on their individual skills and experience. 

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

You’ll bring curiosity and creativity to your work, with a strong solutions‑focused mindset. You enjoy collaborating with others to solve complex problems and are confident providing clear, ongoing advice to help identify, manage, and resolve risks and issues as they arise.

You will also offer:

• Significant experience in understanding legislation and policy and translating to an operational environment is essential.
• Experience of working with or understanding technical financial arrangements, e.g. funding policy.
• Experience developing, leading and delivering projects, including managing multiple stakeholders, communicating progress, reporting accurately, identifying and mitigating risk and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge and experience in the Machinery of Government and/or public sector
• Able to work across a team to understand how pieces of work are interdependent, and to ensure that projects are sequenced appropriately and are on track.
• Ability to influence without authority
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Utmost integrity in all interactions and treating all information you are party to in your role as confidential.
• Demonstrate initiative and a high degree of professional independence and self-discipline.

About our Agency | Mātau rōpū ake

We are a departmental agency established to implement and operate the charter school model. We receive services and support from the Ministry of Education and are accountable to the Associate Minister of Education. We are the secretariat for the Authorisation Board, which approves sponsors for new and converting charter schools, oversees charter school performance, and decides on interventions with charter schools.

You can find more information at: www.charterschools.govt.nz/about-us.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi? 

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Juliette Hayes, Head of Performance and Monitoring at juliette.hayes@charterschools.govt.nz.

Applications close: Midnight Friday 22 May 2026. 

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.